Inclusive Transportation Pilot Project

A local non-profit group will be looking at ways to provide transportation for persons with disabilities. Colchester Transportation Cooperative Ltd. will receive up to $68,000 in provincial funding for a community-based transportation project for Colchester County.

A community committee will be formed this year to explore opportunities to implement feasible options.

"Nova Scotia has a higher percentage of persons with disabilities than any other province in Canada," said Ray White, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs. "Without sufficient accessible transportation services they are unable to connect with the labour market and successfully participate in their communities."

In response to a need for transportation services that includes all members of our society, the provincial government launched the Inclusive Transportation Project this year. The project will involve the departments of Housing and Municipal Affairs, Community Services, Health, Transportation and Public Works, Education and Culture, the Utility and Review Board, all working with the Disabled Persons' Commission. The goal of the project is to find innovative, community-based solutions to improve transportation resources.

"We are extremely pleased to add this pilot project to our current efforts in developing a sustainable transportation system for Colchester County," said Colchester Transportation Cooperative Ltd. board chairperson Fred Richards. "This wider involvement of the community and province at all levels is what we require to move us closer to our goal."